Research Intern - AI/ML for Electricity Infrastructure Planning

Overview

Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for emerging research careers, offering the opportunity to work within world-class research labs led by globally recognized scientists and engineers. Research Interns contribute to innovation across scientific and technical disciplines that address real-world challenges in computing, sustainability, energy systems, economics, public policy, and beyond.

Microsoft Research (MSR) is seeking Research Interns to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and electricity infrastructure planning. Research Interns will join ongoing research efforts that explore how AI-especially large language models (LLMs) and agentic AI systems-can support planning, permitting, siting, grid modeling, and decision-making in electricity systems.

Responsibilities

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world's best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct research on applying AI/Machine Learning(ML)-including LLMs, agentic AI, deep neural networks (DNNs) and/or causal inference-to electricity infrastructure planning and policy-relevant decision problems.
• Model and analyze real electricity system challenges, such as resource adequacy, load growth forecasting, datacenter siting, permitting workflows, grid flexibility, climate/weather-driven disruptions, transmission expansion, or regulatory impact assessments.
• Design and implement experiments, prototypes, or simulations using AI methods to support grid planning, permitting streamlining, or policy evaluation.
• Analyze empirical or model-based results and contribute to technical reports, publications, or internal decision-support tools.
• Collect, organize, and preprocess relevant datasets (e.g., grid models, load forecasts, permitting data, climate/weather data) to support AI-driven electricity infrastructure planning and analysis.
• Collaborate with mentors and interdisciplinary teams to advance research directions.
• Present findings and participate in the intellectual life of MSR's research community.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Environmental Science, Electrical Engineering (Power Systems), Energy Systems, or a related field.
• One or more publications or substantial research experience in machine learning, causal inference, energy systems modeling, or related areas.

Other Requirements

• Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager's Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
• In addition to the qualifications below, you'll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages.
• Familiarity with power systems tools, energy modeling frameworks, grid datasets, or numerical simulation environments is a plus (but not required).
• Experience working with large language models, agentic AI, or AI-assisted reasoning systems.
• Demostraded problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Prior research contributions demonstrated through papers, prototypes, datasets, or software.
• Prior research experience with a grid operator or utility is a plus (but not required).

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 per month. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $8,760 - $14,360 per month.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.